Is there a Mascot

The National Park Services mascot Smokey Bear has a powerful message that rings true. “Only you can prevent forest fires” has been Smokey’s motto for about 40 years. Each individual has the power to do what is right, using safety precautions to prevent most damaging forest fires. 

Maybe a mascot is needed to share another powerful message that also rings true; “only you can make the decision to improve your quality of life.” Each individual has the power to make a difference in their lives, using exercise and proper nutrition to improve their health. 

Study after study is published demonstrating what positive affects exercise has on our overall health. Improved weight management, cardiovascular strength, respiratory efficiency, improved muscle tone and stress management are all positive benefits. These studies target all age groups; both males and females. The studies do not care what ethnicity you are. These studies do not care what your level of fitness currently is. These studies do not care were you live, work of even the type of work you do. The bottom line – exercise and proper nutrition are affective tools to ones improved health. 

Example after example of people who make up their minds to make a positive change in their life are shared to hopefully motivate others. You see it on TV. You read it in magazines and newspapers. People will share personal triumphs to almost anyone. Businesses and communities create programs to entice people to get involved with exercise. Regardless, the decision is still yours as to whether you will take the first few steps toward a healthier life for yourself and your family. 

To change a rather well known saying: You can lead a person to a healthier way of life, but you can not make them decide to act. The power to change comes from within. You have the power to control your life. You have the resources at your fingertips to find out what to do and how to do it. Mistakes have already been made by others; let’s not go down the same path. Utilize the experience of others who have successfully traveled this path. Realize that results take time to be seen, but the body knows the difference after just one session. You hold the key to the success of the decision made, once you start to act. 

Georgia is ranked as the sixth most obese State in our Nation. It will take a decision from you, each of you, to change this statistic. People are here to help you help yourself to change.

So what Mascot do we need to carry the message: “only you can make the decision to improve your quality of life.” Suggestions?

Other events coming up include a series of Cross Country races that are available every Thursday evening starting at 7 PM at Freedom Park. The first Thursday is July 12th and ends on August 9th. There is a 1 mile event every week and the 5K event immediately following the 1 mile. This event is open to all-comers; there is no cost, no frill event. Middle School, High School and College runners as well as fitness runners of all ages would certainly benefit from the opportunity this presents. You are invited to come and enjoy. This series is only available with the cooperation of the Valdosta-Lowndes Park and Recreation Department and Get Active – Running and more.

VSU Centennial 5K is being presented for its 2nd year on August 18th. Applications are available at the VSU Recreation Department web site. 

Kevin’s Race to End Cancer is a new event to raise awareness and money for the American Cancer Society and their event will be held on August 25th in Valdosta. The event includes a 5K, 2 mile and 1mile. 

Winnersville Triathlon will be held on 09/08/07 and starts at 7:30 AM. Flyers are available now. The distances include 0.25 mile swim, 14 mile bike and 3.6 mile run. Many are in training for this local Valdosta event; you too can be a part. If you are not comfortable with all three events, there is a relay offered as well. The YMCA Valdosta is offering help on the swimming preparation – check with them on what they are offering. Get your family or friends together and each takes a leg of the event. Keep listening to NewsTalk 105.9 FM WVGA on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7PM, to get updates and training suggestions/opportunities. On August 29th, one of the organizers will be the guest and the topic will only be about the triathlon starting at 6PM. 

Wendy’s and Wild Adventures are teaming up to present the Wendy’s 5K Wild Adventures Run for Adoption to be held at Wild Adventures Theme Park. September 29th needs to be set aside for you and the family to be involved with this event. 

There are weekly, free activities for the runners and cyclists in the area. Runners can show up at Get Active on Saturday and Sunday morning at 7AM for runs from 1.5 to 8 plus mile runs. Thursday morning is a women’s ONLY run, and the other runs are all-comers. Cyclists can meet for rides on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. For more information, check out the web page at www.azaleacitycyclists.com. 

Do you have results you want to share about yourself, a loved one or friend? Send, email or call the information in to me at Get Active – Running and more. 

If you have questions about your walking, running or other training, drop me an email and I will do my level best to answer your questions. Email getactive.val@earthlink.net or join the GetActiveSouthGeorgia yahoo group. Listen to the Get Active South Georgia radio show on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7PM on NewsTalk 105.9 FM WVGA to receive additional information or to ask questions.

Thank you,

Todd & Alice Smoot

GET ACTIVE 
Running and more

GET ACTIVE SOUTH GEORGIA as heard on NewsTalk 105.9 FM WVGA Wednesdays
6 to 7 PM - call into the show at 229-241-1059
GET ACTIVE SOUTH GEORGIA  as read weekly in the Sunday VDT - look for us
www.getactivevaldosta.com
3200-C North Ashley Street
Valdosta, GA 31602
229-219-0010
229-219-0012 (F)

In the long run, one must have goals to succeed.

"To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift" Steve Prefontaine